Brits may moan whenever the temperature exceeds 20C, but over in one tiny country – scorching summers are so intense birds have ‘dropped dead from the sky’ while seahorses have ‘boiled in the bay’
The UK is set to sizzle in a European heat plume this month, with weather maps predicting London will reach a high of 27C. The mini heatwave will undoubtedly be an uncomfortable one, as us stifled Brits try and navigate the sweltering heat with a distinct lack of air con and outdoor swimming pools. Still, at least we have plenty of ice lollies.
But, over in the desert-dominated country of Kuwait – these types of temperatures are pretty standard. Sandwiched in-between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and bordering the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), Kuwait City, the country’s capital, witnesses scorching average highs of 45C in July and August.
In 2016, the country broke world records after a weather station in Mitribah, located in the northwest desert, some 135km from Kuwait City, witnessed temperature extremes of 54C. While this isn’t as hot as California’s Furnace Creek in Death Valley (which has exceeded 56C before) – it’s a good glimpse into how intense the heat can get.
READ MORE: World’s ‘most dangerous’ country that is becoming tourist hotspot despite FCDO warning
Even this week, during the beginning of May, Kuwait City is under an ‘excessive heat warning’ – with temperatures climbing up to an uncomfortable 38C and lowering no more than 27C in the night. It’s no surprise that a 2020 study found that two-thirds of home electricity consumption in the country comes from locals keeping their air con on 24/7, reports the Express.
The country’s staggering heat is slightly more manageable in cities where huge air-conditioned shopping malls provide an escape from the blistering sun – if you can afford a life of shopping and coffee-sipping. But for migrant workers, predominantly from Arab, South and South East Asian countries, who make up roughly 70 percent of the country’s population – there is little choice but to work outside under the powerful rays.
Kuwait’s insane temperatures have resulted in biblical-like events that have horrified locals during the summer periods. According to AP, the country became so hot in 2021 that ‘birds dropped dead from the sky’. “Sea horses boiled to death in the bay,” the publication added. “Dead clams coated the rocks, their shells popped open like they’d been steamed.”
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
As previously reported, 50C isn’t just a danger to fish and birds – and can have devastating effects on humans, Prolonged exposure to these kind of temperatures can lead to a slew of issues including heat exhaustion and even cardiovascular problems. And still, Kuwait – which sits on almost one-tenths of the world’s proven oil reserves – only aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Efforts to implement more shade into urban areas are underway – but won’t help those forced on construction sites for gruelling shifts. For example, a 2020 initiative entitled ‘Greening Kuwait’ aims to plant 100,000 trees to ‘contribute to the local efforts to address the challenges resulting from sandstorms socio-economic effect on Kuwait and the public health’.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.